Jesus has always been about the “one,” about the “least of these.” Jesus teaches us to sacrifice the comfort of many for the salvation of one. This truth resonates with me as I take each tentative step into the chaotic swirl of COVID-19. The situation, warnings and protocols are literally changing by the minute. As a church pastor, I am responsible for modeling discipleship in the image of Christ through my words and deeds. So, what to do?
On the one hand, Christianity is rooted not just in the vertical axis of the cross between a person and God, but in the horizontal axis connecting people with other people. Jesus ministered to groups of people, he taught amid crowds and at small dinner parties, he had intimate conversations in the dust of the road. Scripture teaches us that we are a body made up of many parts, each part essential to the health and activity of the larger body. From the very first Christians, we have gathered in sacred spaces to share the Scriptures, prayer, song and the breaking of bread. These are the truths that fuel our need to continue to gather in Jesus’ name, regardless of warnings and protocols from the government. These are truths that have given me pause and caused me to struggle over decisions regarding our church gatherings, meetings and services.
On the other hand, given to us directly from the mouth of Christ, there is the truth of the “one” and the “least.” Is it not a better witness of Christ to consider the one person who is vulnerable and could contract a life-threatening disease in the name of resisting advisories to not meet in groups? To protect the “least of these?” Jesus momentarily leaves the crowd, the congregation, to help the most vulnerable of all.
So, when/if we decide to cancel gatherings, it is in the name of Jesus’ love for the “one.” To keep safe anyone who might become ill. We do it to save one person. If we save one person, even while the other 99 are dissatisfied because the plight of the one doesn’t concern them, isn’t it worth it?
The gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to always be joined across inches, feet, and miles. We can gather and yet not be in the same space. We can pray together and not feel the brush of another’s breath. We can pass the peace without the touch of hands. We can sing together and not hear those who are off key, like me! Just as the great cloud of witnesses surrounds us, we can gather together through an invisible connection. I believe connecting through the Spirit and not location is an even stronger demonstration of faith and trusting God with the unseen.
Canceling church events to keep just one person safe doesn’t mean we are closing the church, becoming faithless or full of fear, it just means we will find other means of connectivity. We will engage in and experiment with technology that connects us across physical distance. We will discover means to carry on corporate prayer, devotion, study and worship. We won’t get it right every time. Keep an open mind and stay tuned for invitations to engage via some new ways. I believe this is discipleship modeled by Christ, who used every imaginable means to connect with people.
After all, you may just be the “one” being saved.
The Runnin' Rev 